Abstract

The invention provides compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein X, Y, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are as defined in the description, and a process for preparing them. The compounds of formula I are useful as pharmaceuticals.

Claims

2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein ##STR32## Y and R.sub.1 are as defined in claim 1, R.sub.2 is H, benzyl, pyrimidyl, bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl, naphthyl or a group of formula (a) as defined in claim 1 or of formula (b') or (c') ##STR33## wherein R'.sub.6 and R'.sub.7 independently are H, OH, NO.sub.2, CF.sub.3, acetyl, COOR.sub.12 (R.sub.12 being as defined in claim 1) or CN and R'.sub.8 is H, NO.sub.2 or CN, OR.sub.3 is in position 6 and R.sub.3 is H, (C.sub.1-4)alkyl, methylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl or a group of formula ##STR34## wherein n and m are as defined in claim 1 and R.sub.4 is hydrogen, the configuration in positions 4a and 10a being R, in free base or acid addition salt form.

4. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula I as defined in claim 1, or a salt thereof, which includes the step of reacting a compound of formula II ##STR35## wherein ##STR36## Y, R.sub.1, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are as defined in claim 1 and M is H or an alkali metal, with a compound of formula III ##STR37## wherein R.sub.2 is as defined in claim 1, and recovering the thus obtained compound of formula I in free base or acid addition salt form.

5. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent and a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I according to claim 1, in free base or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt form.

6. A method of treating depression, anxiety or bipolar disorders in a subject in need of such treatment comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I according to claim 1, in free base or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt form.